The Mystery Behind Jadon Sancho's Stalled Transfer Hunt
Jadon Sancho continues to be part of Manchester United's squad with under two weeks remaining in the summer transfer period, though Roma are reportedly making every effort to bring the winger to Italy before the window closes.
Sancho's situation has remained uncertain since Chelsea paid a £5 million ($6.7 million) penalty to withdraw from a purchase obligation that was included in last season's loan agreement at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old, previously considered among Europe's most promising and coveted young forwards during his prolific goal-scoring and assist-providing period at Borussia Dortmund, was excluded from Manchester United's pre-season activities to facilitate his search for a new team.
Despite Chelsea withdrawing from negotiations after failing to reach agreement on personal terms, there have been several unsuccessful attempts regarding his permanent departure.
Roma Deal Agreed
Roma represent the latest club pursuing Sancho and currently appear most committed to completing a transfer. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, a transfer fee beginning at €19 million (£16.4 million, $22.1 million), with potential increases to €24 million through add-ons, has been settled with Manchester United.
However, Roma has not yet managed to reach an agreement with Sancho personally. One proposal has reportedly already been rejected.
With reported earnings equivalent to €14 million in wages, joining any new club would likely require a substantial salary reduction. La Gazzetta indicates that even a reduction of nearly 50%, dropping to €9 million, remains a "considerable amount" for Roma to assemble.
Additionally, there is reportedly another more challenging "matter" to resolve.
Juventus, Atlético Madrid 'Frightened' Off
Reports suggest that Sancho's representatives are requesting "substantial commission" for the transfer, though not necessarily excessive relative to the figures involved.
Nevertheless, this has allegedly "deterred" other potential clubs including Juventus, whose interest also stalled after first signing Francisco Conceição for a significant fee, and Atlético Madrid.
The indication is that Manchester United are attempting to persuade Sancho to accept Roma's proposal while simultaneously trying to "restore reason to his representatives".
British Players Reinvented in Serie A
While the league previously struggled with UK legends such as Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves and Ian Rush, there exists a recent pattern of British players transferring to Serie A and revitalizing their careers.
Scott McTominay was instrumental in Napoli's title victory last season, Ashley Young claimed the championship with Inter in 2020–21 despite appearing close to retirement, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are key figures at AC Milan, while Chris Smalling enjoyed five successful years at Roma.
Sancho is familiar with taking chances on overseas moves. He was merely 17 when he chose to depart Manchester City's youth system for Dortmund, where opportunities for first-team football were more accessible, a decision that ultimately transformed his career.